Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Winter

Through a door buried deep in the woodland, one carved by the ancients on a day long ago, the Old Man enters. Gone are the casual visitors now - the springtime picnics, the cotton lawn dresses that danced through the clearing on mid-summer’s eve.The forest belongs to the Old Man once more.He steps cross the threshold and smiles as he drinks in his lifeblood of sharp December air. Slowly he strolls down a pine-needled pathway, where the mummified leaves of his brother-season, only just now departed, still occasionally crackle neath his suede covered feet, while all around him ancestral trees stretch their ebony arms up, up to the leaden grey sky far above.His silver blue robes trail behind the Old Man like peacock feathers, leaving snowflakes and ice crystals along in their wake. He claps his delicate hands, only once, and the light from the sun, so recently golden, suddenly changes to alabaster - becoming one with the snow covered scene, it sets all beneath it aglow with the fire of ice.The tiny ones, nearly invisible and brief as a wish, return once again, to dance with the Old Man at twilight, as the snowy owl glides through the wind, as silent as a reflection.Tangled up as they are in strings of fairy lights and clefs of carols, the humans are unaware of the magic reception just now unfolding within the dark woods. Yes, Old Man Winter has arrived, having completed his wanderings on the other side of the orb, and the landscape belongs to him now.So put down the pudding spoon!Come and celebrate!Run through the white meadows, skate paisleys over the frozen ponds.Celebrate, with bells on the horse's halter, ribbons round the white dog’s neck... with bright eyes and pink cheeks, with mittens and scarves, firesides and hot chocolates.For after all, as the wise Old Man teaches,if we never know cold, how can we hope to recognize warmth?Welcome, welcome!Winter!

Pamela, if I were blind and I thank God I have my sight, but if I were, your words could make me see. Sight would no longer be important but just the sence of feeling and smelling and hearing would be all you need as long as you had your words to describe it all.You are just amazing. What more can I say other then thank you.Have you published a book?

What wonderful words, Pamela, summing up the cold and frosty season that is winter.I went out this morning and the snow was just begining to disappear and the snow had turned to sleet....but I had a phone call from a friend after I had been in for a couple of hours and I said how it all seemed to be disappearing and she said 'haven't you looked out of the window' ? and when I looked out it was snowing really heavily and everywhere was whiter than it had been before. I will take more photographs tomorrow to show everyone. XXXX

Do you think he may dance with me on the swirling mists of Solstice eve and fill my hair with ice crystals, and flowers of frost ? .... if I leave my fairy lights and carols......ahh but would I ever want to come back........I think you are fabulousHugs Lynn xxxx

Wow. I came here on a whim, visiting from OhMyGoddess, where you'd left a hilarious comment. Expecting to find a humorous post, I am pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed at the beauty I find here. Signing up to follow.

I love the image of skating paisleys on the pond! Pure magic, Pamela! Wishing you a happy solstice! I like knowing that you, too, love A Child's Christmas in Wales, by the way. What a gift he had for weaving words.

This is so beautiful Pamela. I always adore how you embrace the change of seasons; always welcoming the change and speaking of all it's attributes and beauty. I am sorry that I have not been visiting as often as I would like to. Just know that I am thinking of you and wish you a very happy holiday. I know you will celebrate and enjoy this joyous season to it's maximum. xx deb

well that is just beautiful. I was trying to remember my love for all the seasons when knee deep in ice last night walking/ skating home! Everything seemed okay when I got home to a warm cup of tea and bath

Once again Winter has spread her magic to linger across the fields, dance along the rooftops and spread throughout the valley.May you and your musician, beloved dogs and those you hold dearest in your heart enjoy a wonderful Christmas.x Susan

Wonderfully said, again! This is exactly what has attracted me to your lovely blog, your words and those beautiful romantic pictures you find!Seeing this I wanted to encourage you to read Steve Augarde's 'Various'trilogy. It will transport you in this world!You will love it! I posted as well.I have been talking about it for a while now, because it's such a great story...

Lovely post Pamela and so true, if we don't experience winter then we won't appreciate all that the warmth of Spring and Summer have to offer. I have always welcomed Old Man Winter, he brings his own icy beauty to the world.

Beautiful, as always. I really love your blog and your writing. Thank you so much. It's enriched my year in the blogosphere. I'm sending best wishes to you, Edward, and all your loved ones for Christmas.

Beautiful...I found you via your hubby. I grew up listening to the Pat Terry Group! So excited to see him on Face Book and then I came across your blog and well, that's even more exciting!Love your style and your imagery...RobinAll Things Heart and Home

I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!

About Me

Writer, Interior Designer, Baker, Knitter, Gardener, devoted to Beauty.. on the journey through life along with her big white furry wonderful dog... living in the American South and dreaming of the Scottish Highlands